What is a physician office laboratory primarily used for?

A physician office laboratory is primarily used for performing diagnostic tests. These labs are often located within a physician's office and facilitate various laboratory evaluations, such as blood tests, urinalysis, and other diagnostic procedures. The advantage of having such a laboratory on-site is that it allows for quicker turnaround times for test results, helping physicians make timely decisions regarding patient care.

The primary focus of a physician office laboratory is to gather important data that can inform diagnoses and treatment plans. This function is critical in providing immediate and accessible laboratory services. While administering patient medications, conducting physical exams, and scheduling follow-up appointments are all important aspects of patient care and office management, they do not fall under the primary responsibilities of a laboratory, which is fundamentally focused on testing and analysis.